PSU Style Best Suited for P180

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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slorente
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PSU Style Best Suited for P180

Post by slorente » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:07 am

Is it plainly obvious that a "rear fan" style PSU is ideal for the Antec P180 case? Most of the new power supplies use the single 120mm fan but it seems like that would not be as efficient with the P180's lower chamber.

Any suggestions for the ideal quiet PSU for the P180?

Thanks!

Devonavar
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Post by Devonavar » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:35 am

Yes, it's plainly obvious.

For a straight through PSU recommendation, try the Antec SmartPower 2.0 (get the 500W version, lower capacity versions have really short cables). Fairly quiet at idle, and the PSU channel in the P180 should prevent it from ramping up unless you have an exceptionally powerful system.

By the way, Welcome to SPCR!!!!!

slorente
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Post by slorente » Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:19 am

Thanks, Devonavar :D The site has been a huge help so far!

The SmartPower was actually at the top of my list for features but I was a little unsure of the "noise." I didn't see a review on the site...am I missing it? I would be curious to how it will compare to ones like the Zalman or Seasonic Super Silencer.

Devonavar
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Post by Devonavar » Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:33 am

There is a review of the 450W version on the site, but I haven't gotten around to looking at the 500W yet. In the P180, the noise level should be decent, probably on par with the Super Silencer. I didn't recommend the Super Silencer because it is no longer being made and it only complies to ATX12V 1.3. However, if you take a look at my review of the P180, you'll see that I was able to use a Super Silencer to excellent effect.

The Zalman is rarely recommended around here any more. It's too loud my modern standards.

blunden
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Post by blunden » Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:12 pm

I like the Tagan PSUs. The new 2force-series has 2x80mm straight through wich should be perfect for the P180. I have one in mine. I has long cables too and I can't hear it in my system but I have yet to silence my Leadtek 6800LE.

Why hasn't Tagan's PSUs been reviewed here?

Pgh
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Post by Pgh » Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:22 pm

If you don't need something with higher power, you could go with the Phantom PSU and a Nexus/Yate Loon to replace the Antec fan in the lower chamber.

This has worked great for me.

mathias
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Post by mathias » Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:25 pm

I wish it was easier to find a traditional design PSU for use with a P180. Not because I think a straight blowing 80mm fan would be the best way to cool a PSU in a P180, but because I think it would be a good idea to remove the fan, and duct the fan in the middle of the lower chambre to the PSU, and connect it to the PSU's fan control.

Oh well, I can't really afford a P180 anyway.

figarro
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Post by figarro » Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:32 pm

Antec SmartPower II 500W has indeed modular cables but the 24 pin ATX and 4 pin +12V are fixed and are not very long at all. The best Antec PSU for P180 is the Truepower II. I have one in my 3700AMB and rarely ramps up, so I candi magine what it can do in a P180.

dan302a
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Post by dan302a » Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:18 am

Antec SmartPower II 500W has indeed modular cables but the 24 pin ATX and 4 pin +12V are fixed and are not very long at all. The best Antec PSU for P180 is the Truepower II.
Is there anyone out there with a P180 and Smartpower 2.0 500w? I am definitely interested in this combination and about to buy - can anyone confirm that the cables are a bit short? Or is there anyone with the P180 & TP 2.0 that is very satisfied with noise levels/cooling and cable length?

teknerd
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Post by teknerd » Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:11 am

I have a P180 and a Smart Power II 500W and i can affirm that the cables are plenty long to reach where they need to go.

jermaink
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Post by jermaink » Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:25 pm

How would a Seasonic S12 500W or 600W PSU go with a P180?

slau
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Post by slau » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:29 am

Depending on your motherboard, the cables might not be long enough. The S12 600 in my P180 can barely reach the 12v aux power connector at the top of my Asus A8N SLI premium.

But with a Silverstone cable extension, it works fairly well. Haven't done any formal listening tests yet though.

NARC
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Post by NARC » Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:10 am

I don't know why no one asks about the mobo used in the P180 when they ask about cable length. Just about any mobo can be used if the power connector is on the mid-right edge of the board.

But if your connector is on the top-left then that is a whole other story. It's worth specifying in your question if you have a mobo picked out...

/I need to let the caffeine kick in...

windsok
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Post by windsok » Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:47 am

I plan to use a Asus A8N SLI premium in a P180, would the SmartPower 500W have long enough cables for this?

From reading the above posts im pretty sure it would, but I want to be totally sure before i commit myself.

thanks alot!

teknerd
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Post by teknerd » Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:51 am

i haven't gotten by a8n premium yet, but i did a mock layout with a board that has the same connector positioning and had no problem.

windsok
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Post by windsok » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:00 am

Was it a tight fit at all? or was there room to neatly rout the cable?

Thanks for this valuable info!

teknerd
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Post by teknerd » Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:09 am

i was able to route the main ATX cable very neatly out the little hole and tuck it in next to the hard drive and optical cages. As far as the 12V connector goes, i cut it before beginning and made a custom lead so i could tuck it back and away, so i can't tell you about that. Worst case scenario though, you can get and extension.

pergite
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Post by pergite » Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:19 pm

I´m thinking of using the Hiper Type-R 580w with an Asus A8n Premium in a P180. Anyone have a clue whether that´s gonna work or not?

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